DS4 24hr Test drive

[jaspabt]

you getting much interest in these Biggie?

[Yellow]

Ok folks, I have just returned the DS4 to the garage and here are my thoughts on the car

Firstly I had opted for a Diesel version and was given A DStyle to use for 24 hours. It came in a nice shade of silvery green (forgot to ask salesman the colour) possibly Arctic steel metallic. Not a bad looking car I thought and when I picked my wife up she loved it. By then I had driven all of 300m and was getting a pain in my knee from the door armrest. Those who have met me will know I am very tall and drive most cars in Frogs Legs position and in the DS3 its very comfortable. However, in the DS4 this is a problem as the armrest is not padded material but solid plastic. Also, due to the high centre console there is not a lot of space for legs even with the steering wheel adjusted. First problem then, if you’re over six foot definitely try before buying.

Having settled in it was time to look around. The steering wheel is obviously a spare Lewis Hamilton one as it’s got so many buttons it’s mad. Radio, Sat nav system the same. I like to be able to fathom things out without having to read the book (had to as they didn’t leave one in the car) One very confused git.

The drive. Well, if you are expecting the fun of the DS3 then forget it. The feeling you get of the torque in the 3 just isn’t there. No smile on my face powering out of roundabouts. Yes it’s quick but I want to feel it. Reaching 70+ but feeling like 30 is no fun and loses your licence. I tried twisty country roads but only had a smile when using just the first three gears. Anything above and boring!

So to sum up.
Plus points – Nice colour (we asked some spotty youths which car they liked and they said the DS4 as they didn’t like white. However, guess which one they wanted their photo by.)

Minus Points –
No Fun
No Style
No one snaps their head around to look
Not comfortable for a big bloke
Sliding arm rest is f-ing dangerous as you get in the car
DRL’s what a disappointment

Speedo with arrow on the outside just confused me
Rear windows don’t open
Door clearances scary! thought we were going to scratch the back door. Could be classed as perfection

Build quality of this one suspect as usb cover trapped under console

And finally those plastic centre caps on the sport !


Another case of the sequel not being as good as the original I’m afraid. But remember, that’s just my personal view.

Joni has taken some arty photos and will post them when edited

[Bigfeet]

Interesting comments there mate, the only thing is that I'm 6' 3" and i can sit in the DS4 no problem and my legs don't rub so I can only assume you have a really odd driving position!

The USB cap looks like it wasn't in the down when the EBD port was covered, there is a plastic cover that clips on there during PDI, I'm guessing noone bothered to check to make sure it was out of the way!

The colour by the way is 'Fluid Grey'.

[Den]

another thing i did like about the DS4 was the key.
not sure if the ds3 has one like that anyway but the DS4 one is miles better than my Picasso one. sad i know.

[WTF]

I didn't like the amount of plastic there was - the full dash and the doors.

I know the DS3 isn't at that end of the market, but with the shiny dash and the fabric/leather in the driver and passenger doors, this felt a bit plain and normal.

I don't think it has a different spirit about it.

[Yellow]

Interesting comments there mate, the only thing is that I'm 6' 3" and i can sit in the DS4 no problem and my legs don't rub so I can only assume you have a really odd driving position!

Yes mate, I was really suprised about it as my position is the same in all cars (thats me sat normaly in the pics, not trying to emphasise anything). I think it was the solidness of the door handle that caused the ache as I don't get it in the 3 coz its padded. had the seat right back, right down as usual and had to put the steering wheel up and out to fit me in. Again not quite so in the 3. I think the problem was that the 4 is a 5 door making the door handle further forward as well? As I said try before buying and i'm a freak! lol

Really wanted to like it but it just didn't grab me

[Bensds3]

was the door trim black plastic with a hint of chrome? isnt this car like double the price of the ds3????

[WTF]

was the door trim black plastic with a hint of chrome? isnt this car like double the price of the ds3????

I've got a photo @ home I'll put up later.

[DS3Jo]

I quite like it - our local dealer has one on his forecourt at the moment (or at least it was, it was a bit embarassing when one of the reps came to get in it and I was peeping through his drivers door). Its not got the wow factor of the DS3 though ...

Maybe in 3 yrs when my warranty runs out, I might be tempted?!

p.s. does anyone else think it looks like the new astra in shape??

[WTF]

Ben - the palstic door:

[ZACK]

Oh Lovely...

¬¬

[Bigfeet]

What else do you expect the doors to be made out of??

[WTF]

Would have been nice to have another material other than plastic, like ours have the 'arm rest bit' in fabric or leather.

Something not only more tactile, but nice to look at than mono grey plastic.

[Bigfeet]

I see your point there...

The DSport gets a leathered finished on the door cards but the unfortunate thing is that we lose out on the fab tan leather interior because Citroen thought the UK wouldn't buy it.

[Yellow]

Like heated seats, lol